First day back on the job

It's the first day back in the saddle caring for Gavin.  We had a great time during the holidays, but we missed our little pumpkin so much.
Today was a beautiful Southern California day in the 70s. Hearing all the horrifying stories in the media about the cold in the middle and northern parts of the land, we feel very blessed.
Anyhow, be that as it may, we spent most of the day in the garden planting and cleaning up.
Gavin was a great help.

First, he did some ground work,

then he worked on the irrigation system with me,

while Patricia entertained herself sifting horse shit for great fertilizer.

Patricia also got all the new hydroponic bins set up, so we could grow more lettuce and other leafy greens.

We have four bins of lettuce, to accommodate 2 couples, and some spinach and mache,
another type of lettuce, have just been planted.

The system is quite simple. Bins with lids, 2" holes on the lid to seat 2" net pots (from Carlsbad Hydroponics) and a 'Jiffy' pellet in each pot.  Add a nutrient and fill the bin with water to touch the net pot.  Plant your seeds, and Voila.

The seeds sprout in 4-7 days; roots seek the water and produce lots of fresh greens
 for months - winter months - and throughout the year.

Patricia also cut up new potatoes with sprouted eyes for planting. We will have a great variety of potatoes this year (Yukon Gold, French Fingerlings, German Butterball, and all Red).
In the meantime, Gavin was trying to close the green waste bin.

He just has to grow a bit more.

Then he was ready for a BBQ after a day's work well done.